DNA helps ID man suspected of firing at Phoenix officer

DNA evidence helped the Phoenix Police Department identify a man suspected of firing a gun at an officer more than two months ago, police said.

On Wednesday, Amado Torres Jr., 25, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault on a police officer and possessing prohibited weapons, police said.

On Aug. 2., an officer tried to stop Torres who was riding a bicycle without a headlight. Torres did not stop and the officer pursued him on foot near the area of 2200 East Portland Street, police said.

The officer caught up to Torres and there was a physical struggle between them. The officer managed to tear Torres' shirt off of his body, police said.

Torres pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and pointed it at the officer. In response, the officer fired four rounds. Torres then shot back at the officer and ran off into the neighborhood, police said.

Although a perimeter was set up to search for Torres, police didn't locate him.

The officer had minor injuries from the struggle but did not require medical attention. The shirt that the officer obtained was given as evidence to the Phoenix Police Crime Lab, police said.

DNA from the shirt identified Torres as the suspect, police said.

Torres was already in custody for unrelated charges when police questioned him Wednesday.

Police said Torres made admissions about his involvement in the shooting.